(Each Saturday, a faith leader offers a personal perspective in this space. To become part of this series, email religion@recorder.com)
On Nov. 30, 1986, I was ordained into ministry in the United Church of Christ. The church I am currently serving, the Congregational Church of Phillipston, United Church of Christ, conducted a celebration service for my 35th anniversary of ordination this past December. As I look forward to a new year in ministry, I thought it would be helpful to look back at the last 35 years.
When I was ordained, there were few women in ministry. Two of my colleagues were the Rev. Doris Belcher in Winchendon and the Rev. Ruth Martin in Templeton. They both encouraged and supported me in my early days. Doris was a single woman and extremely funny. She told me that when she was first ordained, the headline read “Oddities in the news.” A baby elephant had been born in captivity in the zoo, and next to the photo of the baby elephant was a photo of Doris Belcher, recently ordained. Many of the churches she served did not think that she deserved the same salary they would pay a male minister. After all, she was single, and if she were married, she would have her husband’s salary to supplement hers. There are still ways that we can hold women back financially, even in 2022.
At my first couple of years of clergy meetings, there were many men and three women. Not only was I female, I was young, in my first career. On the positive side, when my first son was born, the congregation was happy for me. They gave us a very generous baby shower. As our government discusses paid leave for new parents, I recall I received four weeks’ leave, and told that I could put the baby on my back like a papoose (they thought that was funny). I used two weeks of my vacation to supplement my maternity leave.
Fast forward to 2020 and 2021. There was no training when I went to Yale Divinity School about how to minister during a pandemic. As many of my colleagues have done, we learned to improvise. I have never been strong in technology, but learned to send out a weekly devotional to the entire congregation, blind copy. I delivered Sunday School paper bags full of craft activities and Bible stories. The children made cards and mailed them to different homebound seniors. Prayers were said over the telephone, when we could not be together in the hospital. The congregation has become even stronger in many ways. We worshipped outside for most of 2020 and all summer of 2021. On days that seem difficult, we all try to remember that Jesus did not have a big fancy building with a steeple to preach in. We are challenged, stretched and overwhelmed, but still remember that, “Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am with them.”
Looking ahead to 2022, we all ask, “When will it get back to normal?” I am not sure, and again, if you are not vaccinated yet, and can be, “Please, just do it.” Who knows what normal will be? Perhaps this is the right time to ask, “Where is God leading us in 2022?” Will February of 2020 and our past practices ever return?
Let us pray: As we are prepared to take off for a new year, please make sure that your attitude is graceful and your blessings are counted. Turn away from self-destructive methods and let go of negativity, hurt and discouragement. Reach out to God in prayer when you are suffering or lost, thankful or joyful. We are embarking on a new year, and there will be joys and sorrows, but remember that God will be with us through all. Amen.
About the Congregational Church of Phillipston
The Congregational Church of Phillipston, United Church of Christ, is a community church located on the Phillipston Common, across from the Town Hall. Many Scout troops meet in the building as well as the Phillipston Historical Society, Agricultural Commission, and Queen Lake Association. The church was founded in 1785, and used to have a horse barn located next to it for church members’ horses to rest during the service. There is an active Ladies Benevolent Society associated with the church that meets monthly and hosts a Silver Tea every May. The church also participates in the oldest continuous Pumpkin Weigh-in Columbus Day weekend. Worship is every Sunday at 10 a.m. except for Memorial Day weekend. The Sacrament of Holy Communion is celebrated the first Sunday of every month. A children’s story is given every Sunday.